Sunlight · Egypt · 11 nights
Embark on an exciting 11-night liveaboard adventure exploring the southern Red Sea. This itinerary focuses on diverse dive sites, from vibrant reefs and dramatic walls to intriguing wrecks and encounters with pelagic species. Discover the rich underwater world of locations like Elphinstone, Fury Shoals, and the St. John's reef system, with opportunities for both day and night dives. The journey balances world-class diving with possibilities for unique marine life interactions and exploring varied marine topography.
Guests will check in to the liveaboard in Port Ghalib. This day is dedicated to settling into cabins, completing all necessary paperwork, and preparing dive gear for the adventure ahead. There will be free time to explore the vessel and relax, anticipating the dives to come.
The first day of diving begins with check dives at Abu Dabbab and Shaam Sharm. These sites provide an excellent introduction to Red Sea diving, known for their calm conditions and diverse reef life, allowing divers to re-familiarize themselves with their equipment and buoyancy. The area often features healthy coral gardens and a variety of reef fish.
Dive sites: Abu Dabbab, Shaam Sharm
Today features three dives around the remote southern islands of Rocky and Zabargad. These pristine sites are renowned for their vibrant coral walls and challenging currents, often attracting pelagic species. Divers can expect to explore dramatic drop-offs and encounter a rich diversity of marine life in clear waters.
Dive sites: Rocky Island, Zabargad Island
The day's itinerary includes 3-4 dives at Elba North, offering spectacular reef formations. A highlight will be exploring the SS Levanzo wreck, a historical cargo ship providing an artificial reef for marine life. Divers will also visit Abu Kabret, known for its unique underwater topography and potential for interesting encounters.
Dive sites: Elba North, SS Levanzo, Abu Kabret
Continuing the journey, divers will experience 3-4 dives at Abu Kabret, further exploring its intriguing reef structures. The day also includes dives at Shaab Shaka, a site often characterized by its extensive coral gardens and abundance of schooling fish. Expect vivid reef ecosystems and potential for diverse macro life.
Dive sites: Abu Kabret, Shaab Shaka
This day is dedicated to thrilling wreck dives. The morning starts with a dive at Shaab Shaka, followed by an exploration of the Grumman Albatross seaplane wreck. The third dive focuses on the fishing trawler wreck at Shaab Ohrob, offering opportunities for wreck penetration and observing the marine life that has colonized these artificial reefs.
Dive sites: Shaab Shaka, Grumman Albatross seaplane wreck, Shaab Ohrob (fishing trawler wreck)
Four dives are planned within the renowned St. John's reef system, a collection of pristine reefs known for their vibrant soft and hard corals, dramatic underwater topography, and abundant marine biodiversity. This area is often characterized by strong currents, making it ideal for drift dives and pelagic encounters. Expect stunning visibility and a healthy ecosystem.
Dive sites: St John's reef system
The exploration of the St. John's reef system continues with four dives, offering further opportunities to discover its diverse sites. The itinerary also includes dives at Mikauwa, another region within the St. John's area celebrated for its unique reef structures and the potential to spot larger marine creatures.
Dive sites: St John's, Mikauwa
Today features three dives at Fury Shoals, a vast reef complex famous for its impressive hard coral formations and caves. This area is particularly known for its resident pods of dolphins, offering a unique opportunity for snorkeling encounters with wild dolphins. The dives here provide stunning reef topography and abundant reef fish.
Dive sites: Fury Shoals
This day combines some of the Red Sea's most iconic dive sites. Two dives are scheduled at Elphinstone, a world-famous reef known for its dramatic walls, strong currents, and potential for oceanic whitetip shark encounters. A dive at Abu Dabbab offers a different experience, followed by an exhilarating night dive at Marsa Shona, showcasing nocturnal marine life.
Dive sites: Elphinstone, Abu Dabbab, Marsa Shona
The final day of diving includes two dives at Marsa Shona, or potentially one dive combined with snorkeling, especially if there's a chance to spot a dugong, as this area is known for their occasional presence. After the last marine activities, the vessel begins its journey back to Port Ghalib. A free group transfer to Hurghada is provided in the afternoon.
Dive sites: Marsa Shona
Guests will check out from the liveaboard before 9:00 AM in Port Ghalib. This marks the end of the diving expedition, with cherished memories and incredible underwater experiences.